**Cowboys’ Prescott Likely Headed to Injured Reserve, Faces Long Recovery**

FRISCO, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is expected to be placed on injured reserve, according to Stephen Jones, the team's executive vice president. Jones broke the news during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan, indicating that Prescott's return within a four-week timeframe is highly unlikely. "We'll place him on injured reserve to utilize that roster spot for the next four weeks and see where it takes us," Jones stated. He also emphasized that the priority is Prescott's health, and the exact duration of his absence remains uncertain, ranging from four weeks to potentially the entire season.

Prescott suffered a partial avulsion of his hamstring in the previous week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons, and sources say his recovery could take between six to eight weeks. The seasoned quarterback has consulted various medical experts to assess his injury. Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner and general manager, revealed on the same radio show that the decision on whether Prescott will require surgery is still pending. Should surgery be deemed necessary, Prescott would be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season.

Jerry Jones compared Prescott’s injury to the one left tackle Tyron Smith sustained in 2022. Smith had a full avulsion of his hamstring just before that season started and missed the first 13 games. To avoid surgery, Prescott will need some weeks of rest to evaluate if healing progresses satisfactorily. "He doesn't want surgery; he wants to be on the field," Jerry Jones noted, highlighting both Prescott's and the team's cautious approach to the situation.

The Cowboys plan to place Prescott on injured reserve by Saturday, likely promoting a player from the practice squad to fill the vacancy on the 53-man roster. This move would sideline him for at least the next four games, with a potential return against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 9. Despite their current 3-5 record and dwindling playoff hopes, Jerry Jones remains focused on Prescott's health, saying, "We're well aware of the situation, but any speculative thinking hasn't entered into our decision-making process."

This setback poses a significant challenge for the Cowboys, but the team's management is committed to ensuring Prescott's long-term well-being, even if it means evolving the roster strategy for the rest of the season.